Chapter 62

**Sara**

A wave of melancholy washed over me as we approached Tom's car. The night had been magical, but reality was creeping back in. I didn't want it to end.
As we settled into the car, a comfortable silence fell between us. I found myself stealing glances at Tom's profile as he drove, admiring the strong line of his jaw and how his hands gripped the steering wheel. God, those hands. I remembered all too well what they were capable of.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Tom's voice broke through my reverie.
I felt heat rise to my cheeks, caught out in my ogling. "Oh, you know, just... thinking about ice cream," I lied lamely.
"Uh-huh," he said, clearly not buying it. "Must be some pretty exciting ice cream to make you blush like that."
"What can I say? I'm passionate about dairy products."
"You're something else, Sara."
All too soon, we pulled up in front of my apartment building. I felt a pang of disappointment, not wanting the night to end. Not wanting to be alone.
"Well, this is me," I said, reluctantly unbuckling my seatbelt.
I stepped out of the car, my heart racing as I heard Tom's door open, too. He walked around to join me on the sidewalk, his eyes never leaving mine. The tension between us crackled like electricity in the air.
"Well, this is me," I repeated, gesturing vaguely toward my building. I couldn't seem to move my feet, though. They felt rooted to the spot.
Tom stepped closer, still staring at me with those intense eyes. I wondered if he was going to kiss me. My breath caught in my throat at the thought.
"I really enjoyed today," he murmured huskily.
I swallowed hard. "Me too. It was... nice."
Nice? Really? That's the best I could come up with? I mentally kicked myself for sounding so lame.
Tom chuckled, clearly amused by my awkwardness. "Just nice? I was hoping for a 'pretty good' or maybe even an 'awesome'."
I laughed, feeling some of the tension dissipate. "Okay, fine. It was pretty awesome."
"That's more like it," he grinned. Then his expression turned more serious. "You know, I seem to recall you saying something about giving me a warning earlier?"
"Ah, yes. The warning," I said, stalling for time. "Well, you see... the thing is..."
Tom raised an eyebrow, waiting.
I chickened out. "You know what? Maybe we can save that for another time. It's getting late, and I should probably head inside."
"Another time, huh?" Tom's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I'll hold you to that, Sara."
The way he said my name sent shivers down my spine. I knew I should go inside and put some distance between us. But my feet still wouldn't move.
Tom took another step toward me, and my breath caught in my throat. I could feel the heat radiating from his body, and the scent of his woodsy cologne filled my lungs. It was the same cologne he'd worn that night—the night I'd given myself to him, surrendering to his touch.
I knew I should move, create some distance, but my body wouldn't listen to my mind. I was drawn to him like a moth to a flame, even though I knew I might get burned.
His dark and intense eyes held mine captive as he leaned in closer. My heart was pounding so fiercely that I was certain he could hear it thrumming in my chest. The desire in his gaze sent a rush of heat through my body, and I felt my knees go weak.
I wanted him. No. Needed to touch me, to kiss me, to fuck me. The thought of it made my skin tingle and my pussy clench with need. I ached for the feel of his hands on my skin, for the taste of his kiss, and for the way, he'd whisper my name as he—
Fuck, I was losing my mind.
"Sara," he murmured, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.
I held my breath, sure he was going to kiss me. My body thrummed with desire, every nerve ending on fire. I ached for the press of his lips, the caress of his tongue. My nipples tightened, and heat pooled between my thighs. God, I wanted him. Needed him. But a tiny voice whispered that this was dangerous, forbidden. Irresistible.
Just as I thought he was going to lean in, a car alarm went off down the street, shattering the moment. We both jumped, startled by the sudden noise.
Tom cleared his throat, taking a step back. "I should let you get inside. It's late."
"Right," I said, trying to hide my disappointment. "Thanks for the ice cream. And the walk. And, um, everything."
"My pleasure," he smiled. "Goodnight, Sara."
"Goodnight, Tom."
I finally managed to make my legs work, turning towards my building. As I reached the door, I couldn't resist looking back. Tom was still standing there, watching me. He gave a little wave, and I felt my cheeks flush as I waved back.
Walking to the elevator, I replayed the events in my mind, savoring every moment. The playful flirting, the genuine laughter, the electric tension of that almost-kiss... It was dangerous territory, but I couldn't deny the thrill it gave me. I wanted to explore it further to see where this spark with Tom might lead.
The Professor's Temptation
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